Emotional mushroom lunch survivor Ian Wilkinson delivers first sermon after deadly meal

More than six months after he was left fighting for life, Ian Wilkinson — the sole survivor of the deadly mushroom lunch — has told a congregation at Korumburra Baptist Church he thanks God for never leaving him.

The sole survivor of the deadly mushroom lunch has broken his silence the day after his 45th wedding anniversary, thanking God for never leaving him and honouring his late wife.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson, 70, returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church more than six months after he was left fighting for life after eating a beef Wellington lunch – allegedly laced with death cap mushrooms – on July 29.

His wife Heather, 66, and his sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, died after eating the meal prepared by Leongatha woman Erin Patterson.

Mr Wilkinson spent almost two months in hospital recovering from the alleged poisoning, but last Sunday returned to his church to tell his congregation: “The ways are sometimes hard, but God is good. He’s with us.”

Pastor Ian Wilkinson speak at Korumburra Baptist Church on February 11. Picture: Supplies

Ian Wilkinson, pictured with his late wife, Heather, told the congregation the previous day had been his 45th wedding anniversary. Picture: Facebook

A teary Mr Wilkinson said it had been a “pretty big week” in his life.

“At the start of the week it was six months since Heather and Gail and Don went to be with the Lord …” he said.

“And yesterday was our 45th wedding anniversary, so it’s been a pretty big week but I am grateful for all that God has given me, God has done through me.”

Mr Wilkinson addressed the church as part of celebrations to mark his 25 years as pastor at the parish on February 11.

Appearing in a shirt with a name tag, Mr Wilkinson drew laughter from the crowd as he referred to last year’s Bible teaching series he ran being “dramatically cut short”.

Mr Wilkinson delivered a 20-minute sermon at Korumburra Baptist Church. Picture: Josie Hayden

Pastor Ian Wilkinson became emotional while speaking about God’s presence.

“Does anybody remember our series on Genesis that we began last year?” he said, smiling.

“Has anybody got any vague memories of that?

“It was dramatically cut short half way through Genesis chapter two,” he added, becoming more serious.

Mr Wilkinson delivered a 20-minute sermon before he was presented with a certificate and a gift in front of about 30 people for his “inspiring 25 years”.

“I am grateful for this wonderful congregation which God has brought together here,” he said.

It was the first time Mr Wilkinson had spoken publicly since he spent eight weeks in hospital.

Erin Patterson has been charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder.

Although Mr Wilkinson ­appeared in good spirits, he became emotional when talking about God’s presence.

“A pastor is nothing without the team, the family of God, without the partners in the gospel and you have been such wonderful partners and let me encourage you to keep on going,” he said.

“The ways are sometimes hard but God is good. He’s with us.

“He promised to never leave … and I can say, that is true.”

Homicide Squad detectives at the Leongatha house of Erin Patterson. Picture: Ian Currie

Multiple parishioners, some in tears, took to the church stage to thank Mr Wilkinson for his contribution.

“When Ian was approached to be our pastor, the church was quite small and had been through a hard time but this didn’t put Ian off and he was keen to follow God’s lead,” one woman said.

“The funds were tight and the manpower was very light on, but as we were led by Ian and Heather’s faith, trust and example, we are particularly thankful for Ian’s gift of servanthood, leadership, wisdom, thoughtfulness and wonderful teaching.”

Mr Wilkinson hung his head as the congregation paid tribute to Heather.

“We especially acknowledge Heather’s gift of compassion, insight, imagination, humour and encouragement,” another churchgoer said.

Erin Patterson remains in jail after police were granted a 20-week adjournment to build a brief of evidence to be served on March 25. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig

A message from Daniel Bullock, head of the Baptist Union of Victoria, which thanked Mr Wilkinson for his service, was read to the service.

“I acknowledge your recent trauma and thank God for your recovery and heart to continue to serve the church,” it said.

Don and Gail Patterson were also remembered for their “wonderful service … and the stability and understanding they brought to our church and lives”.

Their daughter-in-law Erin remains in jail after police were granted a 20-week adjournment to build a brief of evidence to be served on March 25.